Any opinions about baby backpacks and stroller systems?

baby backpack carriers for hiking image

army_siste

I don't have a baby yet but I might in the future. My question is about baby backpacks and strollers. Snuggli is one backpack I have seen. How useful are they? I saw one that said it could be used in the front for a small baby and on the back for a larger one up to 27 pounds. Are they comfortable and easy to get on and off? My concern was would my back start hurting after awhile? I have also seen some that have a metal frame that goes on the back? It looks kind of like the old hiking backpacks. Has anyone used that type? Is the soft Snuggli type better than the metal frame type?
On to strollers. I see alot of the stroller systems that come with the carseat carriers. Does anyone have an opinion whether they think the type that holds a carseat is better than just a regular stroller? I can see the benefits of both types. I would be a busy mom who be going on lots of walks and would also need to have one that would fold up nicely for the trunk of the car.Any other must haves for a baby?

Answer
Baby backpacks: I liked them okay. My husband loved ours. He would carry our daughter around all the time. They get in the way if you're trying to do something (and you really can't bend over) but they're nice for walking around and shopping if you don't want a stroller.
Stroller: Get one with a car seat carrier. They are so nice. You have to have a car seat anyway so why not get one that can snap onto your stroller. Its good for an infant because you know their head is protected in the carseat and you can see them at all times because you put the carseat on facing you in the stroller. Also, when your child is too big for the car seat, you can just use the stroller as a regular stroller. We have a 17 month old and have both kinds. Both fit into our trunk nicely. Our Jeep stroller (which is for older kids kind of a more expensive umbrella stroller) is great for going to the store. Her other stroller is nice if he needs a nap because she can lay down in it. Other things to have are a bouncy seat, a swing (our daughter absolutely loved hers), and for hen s/he can walk a stationary set so s/he can stand and play at the same time. We also liked our jumparoo but some people say they're bad for kids' legs. There are many good things for a baby, but it's all about what's good for you and your baby.

What is your favorite "baby-wearing" sling?

Elliott's

I am looking into getting a new one, my son is almost 1. I have gone through three different slings/carriers, he outgrew some of them, the others were hard on my back. Had a front carrier sling when he was an infant, then switched to the backpack styles (like Bjorn), but now I am looking at maybe a Moby, Peanut Shell, K'Tan, Kangaroo Carrier, etc...

I am kind of sick of wasting money on ones that don't work/hurt.

Advice, tips, especially for older babies? Which carrier do you prefer?

Answer
We had some issues with hating carriers after a short time (especially since our son, born tiny, has ended up being rather large.) It's only recently that I figured out that if you GO to Baby's R Us and ask a manager, they will send someone over to the carrier aisle to unpack and let you try any carrier they sell. It takes a while, obviously, but we brought our son and really took our time over it this last time.

We were looking for a backpack and ended up buying the Kelty TC 2.1 and could not be happier with it - I know you're not looking for a backpack style carrier, but if your baby is getting over 20-22 pounds, it's worth checking out. It is very adjustable, and acts basically exactly like a hiking pack, except with a space for a baby.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What would I need to bring on a camping trip with a newborn?

baby essentials backpack image

Dani

Every year my husband and I go camping with friends and family for a weekend July. This year it will be a little different now that we'll have a 5 week old baby with us. I just want to make sure I pack everything I'll need for her.

Answer
A mosquito net for her. A collapsible playpen for the tent. Those car seat carriers are perfect for toting a newborn around and you can easily keep her next to you with a mosquito net around it. Also if you are familiar with using a baby sling (the sarong looking thing you wear around yourself to carry the baby) I always found them invaluable to me, but you must use caution that your baby's mouth and nose do not become obstructed. Plenty of bottled water, extra gas for the stove cause if she's on the bottle those things need to be sterilized. Extra cloths, for when she spits up and needs changed. You must keep her and her area extra clean, so you don't attract ants. It's really not anymore difficult to take care of an infant while camping than it is at home. Frankly the most important thing they need is YOU. Just make a list of everything she normally needs on a daily basis and check off that you have everything before you go. And pack an extra set of everything that's baby essential, blankets, bo bo, nipples, bottles and cloths. I'm assuming you don't mean rustic camping, there is just no way to carry all you need on a backpack camping trip with an infant!

What do I need to pack in my babies diaper bag?

zackncats

I am having a baby girl and I need to know what to pack in her diaper bag.

Answer
The other people gave a good list of items. One lifesaver for me was a container with small disposable bags for when a poop happens at a friends house.

Advice: Make an emergency bag and throw it in the trunk of your car. I filled up a backpack with water, individual formula packets, a couple bottles, diapers, wipes, a roll of paper towels (trust me, it comes in handy) extra clothes, sunscreen, snacks, ect. Unless you have a diaper bag the size of a shopping cart, you just can't carry everything around. My advice, take a small diaper bag with just the essentials and have the other bag for backup. Afterall, you will forget things from time to time.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers